CPA in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.
Jobs (VA)
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route How to become a cpa in Virginia
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia, candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA). Key steps include obtaining a bachelor's degree with 120 semester hours to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination, and 150 semester hours for licensure, or qualifying through new pathways effective January 1, 2026, which include a bachelor's degree with two years of experience or a master's degree with one year of experience. Candidates must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within a 30-month rolling period, complete 2,080 hours of accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA, and pass the AICPA Professional Ethics: Comprehensive Course with a score of 90% or higher. Virginia also offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions and members of certain international professional bodies.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 120 semester hours to sit for the exam; 150 semester hours for licensure. As of January 1, 2026, new pathways to licensure include a bachelor's degree with two years of experience, or a master's degree with one year of experience. |
| Experience | 2,080.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,182) |
| Application fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 120.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Virginia offers reciprocity for active CPA licenses from other US jurisdictions and recognized international bodies.Reciprocal states: Virginia offers reciprocity for active CPA licenses in good standing from other U.S. jurisdictions. The VBOA also recognizes applicants who are members of professional bodies with mutual recognition agreements with AICPA and NASBA (e.g., CAANZ, CAI, CPA Australia, CPA Canada, IMCP, SAICA). |
| Notes | Requires passing the AICPA Professional Ethics: Comprehensive Course (for Licensure) with a score of 90% or higher. An annual VBOA-approved ethics course (2 hours) is also required for renewal. Minimum age is not specified. Applicants must provide a U.S. Social Security number or control number issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. |
Source: Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA)
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Virginia? See whether Virginia recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our CPA license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- warningElevated AI disruption risk
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